U.S. patent number 7,735,189 [Application Number 11/446,032] was granted by the patent office on 2010-06-15 for hanger device with decorative covers.
Invention is credited to Margaret A. Richardson.
United States Patent |
7,735,189 |
Richardson |
June 15, 2010 |
Hanger device with decorative covers
Abstract
The invention is directed to a hanger device used to suspend
hanging materials such as curtains, shower curtains, or other
sheet-like materials from a horizontally suspended rod to provide a
barrier or for decorative purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the
hanger device comprises a body portion having first and second
ends; an extending member connected to and extending from each of
the first and second ends; and, a fixed or removable decorative
element having a connector portion and a cover portion for
attaching to one or both extending members, wherein when a
plurality of hanging materials are suspended from the hanger
device, a top portion of the hanging materials is coupled to each
opposed extending member, such that the hanging materials are
positioned between the decorative elements and the body
portion.
Inventors: |
Richardson; Margaret A. (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Family
ID: |
38788449 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/446,032 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20070277355 A1 |
Dec 6, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
16/87.2;
24/716 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H
13/04 (20130101); A47H 15/04 (20130101); A47H
13/01 (20130101); A47H 2023/003 (20130101); Y10T
24/51 (20150115); Y10T 16/353 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
E05D
15/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;16/87.2,87R ;24/716
;160/330,404 ;D8/367,368 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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29916670 |
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Jan 2000 |
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DE |
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2272152 |
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May 1994 |
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GB |
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2382770 |
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Jun 2003 |
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GB |
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2407036 |
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Apr 2005 |
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GB |
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WO 2004/023598 |
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Mar 2004 |
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WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Miller; William L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hanger device adapted to be mounted over an elongated rod
member and adapted to suspend a plurality of hanging materials, the
hanger device comprising: a body portion having a generally
circular configuration with an inside diameter sufficient in size
for encircling a portion of the rod member when the hanger is
coupled to the rod member and the rod member is suspended in a
horizontal position, the body portion having a first end, a second
end, and a top central portion; an extending member connected to
and extending from each of the first and second ends of the body
portion, wherein each extending member has an outer portion with an
opening, and further wherein each extending member is opposite the
other extending member and extends away from the other extending
member, and wherein the opposed extending members comprise a
configuration selected from the group comprising hooks, clamps, and
clips; and, a decorative element having a connector portion with a
top end and a bottom end and having a cover portion with an inner
surface and an outer surface, wherein the connector portion is
connected to the extending member by passing through the opening,
such that at least one decorative element is releasably secured to
a respective extending member, and wherein the top end of the
connector portion is attached to the inner surface of the cover
portion, and further wherein when the plurality of hanging
materials are suspended from the hanger device, a top portion of
the hanging materials is coupled to each opposed extending
member.
2. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein the body portion includes a
plurality of ball bearings coupled onto the body portion, and
wherein one or more of the ball bearings can move laterally from
the first end of the body portion toward the second end of the body
portion to provide a balancing counterweight to the plurality of
hanging materials.
3. The hanger device of claim 1 wherein the connector portion
comprises a configuration selected from the group comprising a
hook, clip, screw, and clamp.
4. A hanger device adapted to be mounted over an elongated rod
member and adapted to suspend a plurality of hanging materials, the
hanger device comprising: a body portion having a generally
circular configuration with an inside diameter sufficient in size
for encircling a portion of the rod member when the hanger is
coupled to the rod member and the rod member is suspended in a
horizontal position, the body portion having a first end, a second
end, and a top central portion; an extending member connected to
and extending from each of the first and second ends of the body
portion, wherein each extending member has an outer portion with an
opening, and further wherein each extending member is opposite the
other extending member and extends away from the other extending
member; and, a decorative element having a connector portion with a
top end and a bottom end and having a cover portion with an inner
surface and an outer surface, wherein the connector portion is
connected to the extending member by passing through the opening,
such that at least one decorative element is nonmovable and fixedly
attached to a respective extending member, and wherein the top end
of the connector portion is attached to the inner surface of the
cover portion, and further wherein a top portion of the plurality
of hanging materials is coupled to each opposed extending
member.
5. The hanger device of claim 4 wherein the cover portion of the
decorative element further includes a removable front surface such
that the front surface is capable of having a plurality of
interchangeable decorative shapes.
6. The hanger device of claim 4 wherein the body portion includes a
plurality of ball bearings coupled onto the body portion, and
wherein one or more of the ball bearings can move laterally from
the first end of the body portion toward the second end of the body
portion to provide a balancing counterweight to the plurality of
hanging materials.
7. The hanger device of claim 4 wherein the opposed extending
members comprise a configuration selected from the group comprising
hooks, clamps, and clips.
8. A hanger device adapted to be mounted over an elongated rod
member and adapted to suspend at least a first and a second hanging
material, the hanger device comprising: a body portion having a
generally semi-circular configuration, with an inside diameter
sufficient in size for semi-encircling a portion of the rod member
when the hanger is coupled to the rod member and the rod member is
suspended in a horizontal position, the body portion having a first
end, a second end, and a top central portion; an extending member
connected to and extending from the first end of the body portion,
wherein the extending member has an outer portion; a clamp member
coupled to the first end of the body portion and adapted to suspend
the at least first hanging material between the first end of the
body portion and a gripping surface of the clamp member; and, only
one decorative element having a connector portion with a top end
and a bottom end and having a cover portion with an inner surface
and an outer surface, wherein the connector portion is connected to
the extending member, such that the decorative element is
releasably secured to the extending member, and wherein the top end
of the connector portion is attached to the inner surface of the
cover portion, and further wherein when the at least second hanging
material is suspended from the hanger device, a top portion of the
at least second hanging material is coupled to the extending
member.
9. The hanger device of claim 8 wherein the body portion includes a
plurality of ball bearings coupled onto the body portion, and
wherein one or more of the ball bearings can move laterally from
the first end of the body portion toward the second end of the body
portion to provide a balancing counterweight to the at least first
and second hanging material.
10. The hanger device of claim 8 wherein the extending member
comprises a configuration selected from the group comprising hooks,
clamps, clips, and snaps.
11. The hanger device of claim 8 wherein the connector portion
comprises a configuration selected from the group comprising a
hook, snap, clip, screw, clamp, and, twist lock.
12. A hanger device adapted to be mounted over an elongated rod
member and adapted to suspend at least a first and a second hanging
material, the hanger device comprising: a body portion having a
generally semi-circular configuration with an inside diameter
sufficient in size for semi-encircling a portion of the rod member
when the hanger is coupled to the rod member and the rod member is
suspended in a horizontal position, the body portion having a first
end, a second end, and a top portion; an extending member connected
to and extending from the first end of the body portion, wherein
the extending member has an outer portion; a clamp member coupled
to the first end of the body portion and adapted to suspend the at
least first hanging material between the first end of the body
portion and a gripping surface of the clamp member; and, only one
decorative element having a connector portion with a top end and a
bottom end and having a cover portion with an inner surface and an
outer surface, wherein the connector portion is connected to the
extending member, such that the decorative element is nonmovable
and fixedly attached to the extending member, and wherein the top
end of the connector portion is attached to the inner surface of
the cover portion, and further wherein when the at least second
hanging material is suspended from the hanger device, a top portion
of the at least second hanging material is coupled to the extending
member.
13. The hanger device of claim 12 wherein the body portion includes
a plurality of ball bearings coupled onto the body portion, and
wherein one or more of the ball bearings can move laterally from
the first end of the body portion toward the second end of the body
portion to provide a balancing counterweight to the at least first
and second hanging material.
14. The hanger device of claim 12 wherein the extending member
comprises a configuration selected from the group comprising hooks,
clamps, clips, and snaps.
15. The hanger device of claim 12 wherein the cover portion of the
decorative element further includes a removable front surface such
that the front surface is capable of having a plurality of
interchangeable decorative shapes.
Description
The subject matter described herein is directed to a hanger device
used to suspend hanging materials, such as shower curtains,
drapery, or other sheet-like materials, from a horizontally
suspended rod to provide a barrier or for decorative purposes. More
particularly, the invention is directed to a unique, novel, and
nonobvious hanger device with decorative covers used on a single
elongated rod member to suspend one or more hanging materials from
two independent extending members which can be viewed from two
opposing sides.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hanger devices for hanging shower curtains, drapery and other
hanging materials are known. Such known hanger devices include
curtain rings, single hooks and double hooks. Curtain rings are
often difficult to engage and disengage from the curtains and the
rod, they are manufactured in limited design styles, and they often
only provide a single curtain engaging member from which it is
difficult to hang, access, remove and/or replace two or more
curtains or hanging materials. Single hooks require a user to
remove the hook from the rod each time a curtain is removed or
replaced, the user is potentially required to remove and replace
both curtains when accessing a single curtain, and the curtains
often slip off of the hook when the hooks are moved horizontally
across the rod. Double hooks generally do not have fixed or
removable decorative covers and do not have two positive and
opposing front views. In addition, while most curtain rod
assemblies are adequately functional, unsightly metallic or plastic
rods often detract from maintaining a decorative appearance.
Replacing an existing rod may not be permitted such as in rental
apartments or may be difficult, costly, and require skilled labor,
such as drilling in tile, backer board, and hard to reach places.
Rod covers exist in the prior art but the covers often hinder the
movement of the rings along the rod and are often costly and time
consuming to install.
Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved hanger device
with decorative covers that does not have the problems associated
with known hanger devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention satisfies the need for a new and improved hanger
device with decorative covers. None of the known hanger devices
provide all of the numerous advantages of the invention. Unlike
known hanger devices, the hanger device with decorative covers of
the invention provides the following advantages: it is simple and
economical to manufacture, use and maintain; it is durable and
provides a long service life; it is easily attached to and removed
from an elongated support or curtain rod; it connects to one
significantly fixed object; it has two positive and opposing front
views; it has two extending members to independently suspend or
hang separate hanging materials; it can suspend one, two or more
hanging materials at one time; it provides the use of
interchangeable decorative elements; in one version it conceals an
elongated support rod; it is decorative and manufactured in
appealingly styled design; it provides numerous decorative
alternatives; it can be used to suspend hanging materials for the
purpose of dividing a living space into two separate rooms or
areas, dividing a bathroom space into two separate areas,
partitioning off a dressing room in a retail store or other venue,
and creating a privacy curtain or divider on boats, buses, trains,
planes, and other modes of transportation; it can be used in
conjunction with shower or bathtub curtains and liners; it prevents
the overspray of water outside of the bathtub or shower stall onto
the bathroom floor; and it separates hanging materials which
facilitates greater airflow and reduces the chance of moisture and
mildew formation. Thus, it is the object of the invention to
provide a new device which has many of the advantages of prior art
devices and many novel features which result in a new device that
is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by
any of the prior art devices, either alone or in any
combination.
In one version of the invention, a hanger device adapted to be
mounted over an elongated rod member and adapted to suspend a
plurality of hanging materials is provided, wherein the hanger
device comprises: a body portion having a generally circular
configuration with an inside diameter sufficient in size for
encircling a portion of the rod member when the hanger is coupled
to the rod member and the rod member is suspended in a horizontal
position, the body portion having a first end, a second end, and a
top central portion; an extending member connected to and extending
from each of the first and second ends of the body portion, wherein
each extending member has an outer portion with an opening, and
further wherein each extending member is opposite the other
extending member and extends away from the other extending member;
and, a decorative element having a connector portion with a top end
and a bottom end and having a cover portion with an inner surface
and an outer surface, wherein the bottom end of the connector
portion is adapted for insertion into the opening of the extending
member, such that the decorative element is releasably secured to
one or both of the extending members, and wherein the top end of
the connector portion is attached to the inner surface of the cover
portion, and further wherein when the plurality of hanging
materials are suspended from the hanger device, a top portion of
the hanging materials is coupled to each opposed extending member.
The decorative element of this version may be removably attached or
fixed to the extending member.
In another version of the invention, a hanger device adapted to be
mounted over an elongated rod member and adapted to suspend a
hanging material is provided, wherein the hanger device comprises:
a body portion having a generally semi-circular configuration with
an inside diameter sufficient in size for semi-encircling a portion
of the rod member when the hanger is coupled to the rod member and
the rod member is suspended in a horizontal position, the body
portion having a first end, a second end, and a top portion; an
extending member connected to and extending from the first end of
the body portion, wherein the extending member has an outer portion
with an opening; and, a decorative element having a connector
portion with a top end and a bottom end and having a cover portion
with an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the bottom end
of the connector portion is adapted for insertion into the opening
of the extending member, such that the decorative element is
releasably secured to the extending member, and wherein the top end
of the connector portion is attached to the inner surface of the
cover portion, and further wherein when the hanging material is
suspended from the hanger device, a top portion of the hanging
material is coupled to the extending member so that the hanging
material is positioned between the decorative element and the body
portion. The decorative element of this version may be removably
attached or fixed to the extending member.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will
become better understood from the following description and
appended claims and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments or versions of the invention are shown in the
drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first version of the hanger
device of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the hanger device of FIG. 1 with hanging
materials suspended vertically by the device;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the hanger device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a left side view of the hanger device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the hanger device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the hanger device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a right side view of the decorative element of the hanger
device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a back view of the decorative element of the hanger
device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a front view of the decorative element of the hanger
device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a front view of another version of the hanger device of
the invention having only one decorative element;
FIG. 11 is perspective view of a plurality of hanger devices as
shown in FIG. 1 that are suspending hanging materials;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second version of the hanger
device of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a front view of the hanger device of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a front view of the hanger device of FIG. 12 with only
one decorative element;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a plurality of hanger devices as
shown in FIG. 12 that are suspending hanging materials;
FIG. 16 is a front view of the body portion of the hanger device of
the invention having movable ball bearings;
FIG. 17 is a front view of the body portion of the hanger device of
the invention having fixed ball bearings;
FIG. 18A is a front view of a second version of a decorative
element of the invention;
FIG. 18B is a front view of a third version of a decorative element
of the invention;
FIG. 18C is a front view of a fourth version of a decorative
element of the invention;
FIG. 18D is a front view of a fifth version of a decorative element
of the invention;
FIG. 19A is a back view of the decorative element of FIG. 18A;
FIG. 19B is a back view of the decorative element of FIG. 18B;
FIG. 19C is a back view of the decorative element of FIG. 18C;
FIG. 19D is a back view of the decorative element of FIG. 18D;
FIG. 20 is a front view of a third version of the hanger device of
the invention;
FIG. 21 is a front view of a fourth version of the hanger device of
the invention;
FIG. 22 is a front view of a fifth version of the hanger device of
the invention; and,
FIG. 23 is a front view of a sixth version of the hanger device of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a unique, novel, and nonobvious hanger
device with decorative covers used to suspend one or more hanging
materials, such as drapes, shower curtains, or other sheet-like
materials from a horizontally suspended rod to provide a barrier or
for decorative purposes. The invention relates to a hanger device
used on a single elongated rod member to suspend one or more
hanging materials from two independent extending members which can
be viewed from two opposing sides.
With reference now to the drawings, a first version or embodiment
of the hanger device of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-11. FIG.
1 is a perspective view of a first version of a hanger device 10 of
the invention. The hanger device 10 comprises a body portion 12
having a first end 14, a second end 16, and a top central portion
18. The body portion 12 preferably has a generally circular
configuration with an inside diameter that is of a sufficient size
for encircling a portion 20 of an elongated rod member 22 when the
hanger device 10 is coupled to the rod member and the rod member is
suspended in a horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is
perspective view of a plurality of hanger devices 10 that are
suspending a plurality of hanging materials 24 such as curtains.
The body portion may be in the configuration of a complete circle,
a semi-circle, an incomplete circle, or another suitable geometric
shape. The body portion is configured and dimensioned to extend
cooperatively around an elongated rod member. Mounting of the
hanger device on a rod is accomplished by applying minimal force to
the base of the hanger to widen its generally circular shaped
opening, enabling the hanger device to attach or couple onto the
rod. Once in place on the rod, the body portion of the hanger
device then regains its original shape. As shown in FIGS. 16-17,
the body portion of any of the versions of the hanger device of the
invention may include a plurality of movable ball bearings or beads
26 (FIG. 16) or fixed ball bearings or beads 28 (FIG. 17) coupled
to the body portion. Preferably, each of the ball bearings or beads
has a central hole through which the body portion of the hanger
device is inserted or the ball bearings may be embedded in recesses
within the inner diameter of the body portion. The ball bearings
facilitate the movement of the body portion of the hanger device
along an elongated rod. The movable ball bearings or beads may also
be used as a counter weight mechanism for balancing imbalanced
hanging materials. Preferably, the ball bearings are made of
stainless steel, metal, plastic, silicone, rubber, nylon, or
another suitable material.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hanger device 10 further comprises an
extending member 30 connected to and extending from each of the
first and second ends 14, 16 of the body portion 12. Each extending
member 30 has an outer portion 32 with an opening 34 and an inner
portion 36. Preferably, each extending member 30 is opposite the
other extending member and extends away from the other extending
member. Thus, the extending members are preferably opposed
extending members. When the hanger device is coupled to a rod, the
extending members are biased away from each other and extend
transversely from the central body portion. Preferably, the
configuration of the extending members may be in the form of hooks,
clamps, clips, snaps, or another suitable configuration that will
function to suspend and retain one or more hanging materials from
the hanger device. As shown in FIG. 1, the extending member 30 is
in the form of a curved hook shape. The extending member is
configured and dimensioned to extend through an aperture in a
hanging material, such as a curtain, for suspending the hanging
material vertically from a horizontally positioned rod. The hanging
material or materials may also be suspended from loops, ties, tabs
or other such means provided for suspending the materials. The
hanging material is retained by the extending member on the hanger
device.
The body portion 12 is preferably of a unitary, continuous
configuration. The opposed extending members 30 may or may not be
of a unitary, continuous configuration with the body portion 12.
The body portion and extending member are preferably formed of an
elastomeric material, such as vinyl or rubber. However, the body
portion and extending member may also be formed of any natural or
man-made material, such as a substantially rigid material or a
flexible plastic, metal, wood, or another suitable material.
Preferably, the hanger device, and in particular, the body portion
of the hanger device, is formed of an elastomeric material to allow
the deformation of the hanger to a distance greater than the
diameter of the rod member and to have a resilience to regain its
original generally circular configuration. Preferably, the hanger
device is formed of a material having a tensile strength greater
than the tear strength of the hanging materials.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7-9, the hanger device 10 further comprises
a decorative element 40 having a connector portion 42 with a top
end 44 and a bottom end 46 and having a cover portion 48 with an
inner surface 50 and an outer surface 52. The bottom end 46 of the
connector element is adapted for insertion into the opening 34 of
the extending member 30, such that the decorative element 40 may be
releasably secured to the extending member 30. The top end 44 of
the connector portion is attached to the inner surface 50 of the
cover portion 48. The extending member 30 on each of the first and
second ends 14, 16 is designed to receive and hold the decorative
element 40. In the version of the invention shown in FIG. 1, in a
first embodiment or version, the decorative element 40 may be
releasably attached or removable from the extending member, and in
a second embodiment or version, the decorative element 40 may be
permanently fixed to the extending member. The connector portion
may be in the form of a hook, snap, clip, screw, clamp, hook and
loop, twist lock, hinge, latch, or other suitable connector type
element. The cover portion 48 includes inner surface 50 or mounting
side which is attached to the connector element. The purpose of the
connector element is to releasably affix or permanently affix the
decorative element to the extending member. The cover portion 48
includes outer surface 52 which is preferably decorative in design.
With a releasable or removable decorative element, this offers a
user the opportunity to change the decorative elements whenever a
decorative change is desired. In another version of the invention,
the cover element further includes a removable front surface (not
shown) such that the front surface is capable of having a plurality
of interchangeable decorative shapes.
The decorative element may be constructed of any natural or
man-made materials, such as glass, cloth, wood, ribbon, shells,
beads, metal, plastic, resin, rubber, acrylic, polyester, paint, or
another suitable material. The decorative element may be
constructed in various colors, shapes, sizes, materials, and
designs. The decorative cover portion may be designed to coordinate
with the hanging material and environment of each respective space
where it is used. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the decorative
element of the hanger device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a back view of
the decorative element of the hanger device of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a
front view of the decorative element of the hanger device of FIG.
1. Additional decorative elements are shown in FIGS. 18A-19D. FIG.
18A is a front view of a second version of a decorative element 54
in the form of a circle. FIG. 19A is a back view of the decorative
element of FIG. 18A. FIG. 18B is a front view of a third version of
a decorative element 56 in the form of a flower. FIG. 19B is a back
view of the decorative element of FIG. 18B. FIG. 18C is a front
view of a fourth version of a decorative element 58 in the form of
a dice. FIG. 19C is a back view of the decorative element of FIG.
18C. FIG. 18D is a front view of a fifth version of a decorative
element 60 in the form of a bird. FIG. 19D is a back view of the
decorative element of FIG. 18D.
The decorative element is simple to manufacture and easy to
assemble and attach to the extending member, and no special tools
are needed to safely and efficiently attach the decorative element
to the extending member. The connector portion and cover portion
are configured so that the decorative element will not wobble when
it rests on and is coupled to the extending member. In the
preferred embodiment, the hanger device includes two decorative
elements, one coupled to each extending member extending from the
first and second ends of the body portion. However, only one
decorative element may also be used if desired, and such decorative
element may be coupled to either one of the extending members
extending from the first and second ends of the body portion.
In the first version of the invention as shown in FIG. 2, when the
plurality of hanging materials are suspended from the hanger
device, a top portion 62 of the hanging materials 24 may be coupled
onto each opposed extending member 30, and the decorative element
may be releasably secured to one extending member, or decorative
elements may be releasably secured to both of the opposed extending
members. The fixed decorative element may be small enough and of a
suitable size to be inserted through an aperture of the hanging
material. In an alternative, the fixed decorative element may be
any size if used with hanging materials having tabs, loops, or
non-apertured hanging means. In another alternative, the hanger
device may have one fixed decorative element of any size and
another opposite fixed decorative element that may be small enough
and of a suitable size to be inserted through an aperture of the
hanging material, so that the hanging material may be removed and
replaced from the small end.
In the first version of the invention, as shown in FIG. 11, each
extending member 30 extends below the top central portion 18 of the
body portion, such that when the hanging materials 24 are suspended
from the hanger device 10, a top portion 62 of each top end 64 of
the hanging materials is positioned below the horizontally
suspended rod member 22. The hanger device of this version is
designed to suspend the top end of the two hanging materials below
the single rod, thereby exposing the rod. The top portion of the
hanging materials is preferably positioned between or intermediate
the decorative element and the body portion of the hanger device.
This version of the invention is directed to a hanger device used
on a single rod to suspend two hanging materials from two
independent extending members or platforms which may be positively
viewed from two opposing sides.
Preferably, the hanging material or materials used with the hanger
device of the invention may comprise drapery, shower curtains,
curtains, blankets, towels, tapestries, artwork, room dividers,
frames, mirrors, garments, or other suitable hanging or sheet-like
materials. Preferably, the hanging material 24 is generally
rectangular, flexible, and planar in shape with a relatively small
thickness. The thickness of the hanging material is preferably such
that the hanging material can easily be suspended and secured from
the hanger device or devices of the invention. As shown in FIG. 11,
the hanging material 24 has a top end 64, a bottom end 66, sides
68, and a plurality of apertures 70 spaced along the top end in a
row. Preferably, the hanging material is generally commensurate in
length with the horizontally suspended rod 22. The extending member
of the hanger device is adapted for insertion through the aperture
of the hanging material, such that the hanging material is securely
suspended from the hanger device. However, the hanging material or
materials may also be suspended from loops, ties, tabs or other
such means provided for suspending the materials. Preferably, the
hanging material is fabricated of cloth, plastic, rubber, vinyl,
wood or another suitable material. In use, the hanger device is
adapted to be mounted over the elongated rod member 22 and adapted
to suspend a hanging material or a plurality of hanging materials
24. The hanger device is configured and dimensioned to extend
cooperatively around the rod 22 and through an aperture 60 in the
hanging material 24 for suspending the hanging material 24 from the
rod 22.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the hanger device of FIG. 1 with hanging
materials suspended vertically by the device. FIG. 3 is a front
view of the hanger device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a left side view of
the hanger device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a top view of the hanger
device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the hanger device of
FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a front view of another version of the hanger
device of the invention having only one decorative element.
A second version of the invention is shown in FIGS. 12-15. FIG. 12
is a perspective view of a second version of a hanger device 80 of
the invention. FIG. 13 is a front view of the hanger device of FIG.
12. FIG. 14 is a front view of the hanger device of FIG. 12 with
only one decorative element. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a
plurality of hanger devices as shown in FIG. 12 that are suspending
hanging materials. The hanger device of this version includes all
of the elements of the first version as discussed in detail above,
that is, the body portion 12 having first end 14, second end 16 and
top central portion 18, the extending member 30 extending from each
of the first and second ends such that one extending member is
opposite the other extending member, and the decorative element 40
releasably attached or fixed to one or both of the opposed
extending members. However, in this version, as shown in FIG. 13,
each extending member 30 extends upwardly at an angle (rather than
curved) above or at substantially the same level or plane as the
top central portion 18 of the body portion 12, such that when the
hanging materials 24 are suspended from the hanger device 10, the
top end 64 of each of the hanging materials 24 is positioned above
the horizontally suspended rod member 22. The hanger device in this
version is designed to suspend the top end of the two hanging
materials at or above the level of the single rod, thereby
concealing the rod. The top portion of the hanging materials is
preferably positioned between or intermediate the decorative
element and the body portion of the hanger device. This hanger
device version is designed to conceal the support rod when the
hanging material is fully extended and suspended vertically
downwardly from the support rod, and provides greater level of
privacy such as beneath stairways or basement windows, blocks a
greater amount of light, and offers decoration alternatives such as
enabling a curtain to be suspended or hung at ceiling height.
The invention also contemplates additional versions of the
invention. FIG. 20 is a front view of a third version of the hanger
device of the invention. In this version, a hanger device 90
adapted to be mounted over an elongated rod member and adapted to
suspend a hanging material is provided. The hanger device 90
comprises body portion 12 having a generally semi-circular
configuration with an inside diameter sufficient in size for
semi-encircling a portion of the rod member when the hanger is
coupled to the rod member and the rod member is suspended in a
horizontal position. The body portion 12 comprises first end 14,
second end 16, and top central portion 18. The hanger device 90
further comprises a single extending member 30 having inner portion
36 connected to and extending from the first end 14 of the body
portion 12, and further having outer portion 32 with an opening 34.
The second end 16 of the body portion is a free end. The extending
member 30 is in the form a clamp member 112 having a hinge portion
114, a gripping surface 116 with teeth 118 and a handle portion
120. The hanger device 90 further comprises decorative element 40
having connector portion 42 with top end 44 and bottom end 46 and
having cover portion 48 with inner surface 50 and outer surface 52,
wherein the bottom end of the connector portion is adapted for
insertion into the opening of the extending member such that the
decorative element may be releasably secured to the extending
member. The top end of the connector portion is attached to the
inner surface of the cover portion. When hanging material 24 is
suspended from the hanger device 90, top portion 62 of the hanging
material is coupled to the extending member 30 by clamping the top
portion of the hanging material between the gripping surface 116
with teeth 118 and against an exterior surface 122 of the body
portion, and the decorative element 40 is releasably secured to the
extending member. In this version, the top portion of the hanging
material is preferably positioned between the body portion and the
decorative element.
FIG. 21 is a front view of a fourth version of the hanger device of
the invention. In this version, a hanger device 100 comprises a
body portion 12 having a full circular configuration with an inside
diameter sufficient in size for completely encircling a portion of
the rod member when the hanger is coupled to the rod member and the
rod member is suspended in a horizontal position. The hanger device
of this version includes all of the elements of the first version
as discussed in detail above, that is, the body portion 12 having
first end 14, second end 16 and top central portion 18, the
extending member 30 extending from each of the first and second
ends such that one extending member is opposite the other extending
member, and the decorative element 40 releasably attached or fixed
to one or both of the opposed extending members. However, in this
version, as shown in FIG. 21, each extending member 30 extends
horizontally outwardly in a substantially straight line rather than
angled or curved upwardly. When hanging material 24 is suspended
from the hanger device 100, top portion 62 of the hanging material
is preferably coupled to the extending member 30 where the
extending member and the first and second ends of the body portion
are connected, and the decorative element 40 is releasably secured
to the extending member. In this version, the top portion of the
hanging material is preferably positioned within the hollow inner
circular portion 102 formed by the body portion and between the
decorative elements attached on each side of the body portion.
FIG. 22 is a front view of a fifth version of the hanger device of
the invention. In this version, a hanger device 110 comprises body
portion 12 having a generally circular configuration, and in
particular a lightbulb configuration, with an inside diameter
sufficient in size for completely encircling a portion of the rod
member when the hanger is coupled to the rod member and the rod
member is suspended in a horizontal position. The hanger device of
this version includes substantially all of the elements of the
first version as discussed in detail above, that is, the body
portion 12 having first end 14, second end 16 and top central
portion 18, the extending member 30 extending from each of the
first and second ends, such that one extending member is opposite
the other extending member, and the decorative element 40
releasably attached or fixed to one or both of the opposed
extending members. However, in this version, as shown in FIG. 22,
each extending member 30 is in the form clamp member 112 having
hinge portion 114, gripping surface 116 with teeth 118 and handle
portion 120. When hanging material 24 is suspended from the hanger
device 110, top portion 62 of the hanging material is coupled to
the extending member 30 by clamping the top portion of the hanging
material between the gripping surface 116 with teeth 118 and
against exterior surface 122 of the body portion, and the
decorative element 40 is releasably secured to the extending
member. In this version, the top portion of the hanging material is
preferably positioned between the body portion and the decorative
element attached on each side of the body portion.
FIG. 23 is a front view of a sixth version of the hanger device of
the invention. In this version, a hanger device 130 adapted to be
mounted over an elongated rod member and adapted to suspend a
hanging material is provided. The hanger device 130 comprises body
portion 12 having a generally semi-circular configuration with an
inside diameter sufficient in size for semi-encircling a portion of
the rod member when the hanger is coupled to the rod member and the
rod member is suspended in a horizontal position. The body portion
12 comprises first end 14, second end 16, and top central portion
18. The hanger device 130 further comprises a single extending
member 30 having inner portion 36 connected to and extending from
the first end 14 of the body portion 12, and further having outer
portion 32 with an opening 34. The second end 16 of the body
portion is a free end. In addition, a clamp member 112 is coupled
to the interior of the first end 14 of the body portion 12. The
clamp member 112 has hinge portion 114, gripping surface 116 with
teeth 118, and handle portion 120. The clamp member 112 is adapted
to suspend an additional hanging material 24 between an interior
surface 124 of the first end of the body portion and the gripping
surface with teeth of the clamp member. The hanger device 130
further comprises decorative element 40 having connector portion 42
with top end 44 and bottom end 46 and having cover portion 48 with
inner surface 50 and outer surface 52, wherein the bottom end of
the connector portion is adapted for insertion into the opening of
the extending member such that the decorative element may be
releasably secured to the extending member. The top end of the
connector portion is attached to the inner surface of the cover
portion. A first hanging material may be suspended from the hanger
device 130 wherein a top portion 62 of the hanging material is
coupled to the extending member 30. A second hanging material may
be suspended from the hanger device 130 by clamping the top portion
of the hanging material between the gripping surface 116 with teeth
118 and against interior surface 124 of the body portion. In this
version, the first end of the body portion is between the top
portions of each of the suspended hanging materials.
With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that
the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the invention.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain
preferred versions thereof, other versions of the invention are
possible. In compliance with the statute, the invention described
herein has been described in language more or less specific as to
structural features. It should be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein or to
specific features shown, since the means and construction shown, is
comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the
invention into effect. It is also understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
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